Highly sensitive ethanol gas sensor based on CuO/ZnSnO3 heterojunction composites

Monitoring ethanol is importance to our life. Here, CuO/ZnSnO3 hollow microspheres were synthesized through in-situ precipitation method. CuO/ZnSnO3 was characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM and TEM. The characterization results showed that CuO/ZnSnO3 hollow microsphere with a radius of 0.8-1.4 mu m. The sensing performances of the as-prepared nanocomposites were examined and compared with ZnSnO3 and CuO. Gas sensing results revealed that the 8% CuO/ZnSnO3 sensor exhibits excellent ethanol response (R-a/R-g = 131-100 ppm), which was 3-3.5 times higher than that of ZnSnO3 and CuO at the optimal operating temperature (160 degrees C), respectively. The simple production process and superior gas response make CuO/ZnSnO3 applicable to more occasions where ethanol exists. The improved performance can be attributed to the p-n heterojunction between CuO and ZnSnO3. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study focused on the sensing performance of CuO/ZnSnO3 hollow microspheres in monitoring ethanol, demonstrating excellent ethanol response capabilities. The improved gas response of the sensor is attributed to the formation of a p-n heterojunction.